(ProsperNews.net) – Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is reportedly considering attorney and Trump campaign surrogate Mehek Cooke as a potential appointee to fill the Senate seat soon to be vacated by Vice President-elect J.D. Vance. Cooke, who played a significant role in Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, has emerged as a strong contender in a field of Republican candidates vying for the coveted position.
Cooke, a seasoned attorney with deep ties to Ohio politics, has garnered attention for her fundraising prowess and vocal support of Trump’s America First agenda. Trump’s resounding 11-point victory in Ohio during the presidential election has further elevated Cooke’s standing, as his endorsement remains a powerful force in the state’s political landscape.
Under Ohio law, Gov. DeWine will appoint a Republican to fill the Senate seat temporarily, with a special election scheduled for November 2026 to determine who will complete the term ending in 2028. The winner of that election would then face voters again for a full six-year term starting in 2028.
Cooke’s background includes serving as assistant chief counsel in the Ohio Governor’s Office from 2012 to 2014 and as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, where she handled cases involving corruption and terrorism. Born in India and immigrating to the U.S. at the age of five, Cooke also founded American Frontier Strategies, a political consulting firm, and previously ran for the Ohio House of Representatives in 2020.
While Cooke’s name is gaining traction, several other prominent Republicans are also being considered, including former Ohio Republican Party chair Jane Timken, Secretary of State Frank LaRose, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Attorney General Dave Yost, Treasurer Robert Sprague, and State Senator Matt Dolan. Additionally, Congressional Republicans such as Reps. Mike Carey, David Joyce, and Warren Davidson have been floated as potential candidates.
Sources close to DeWine suggest the governor is open to appointing a woman to the role but has emphasized that qualifications and the ability to win voter support in 2026 are key factors. DeWine’s office has indicated that a decision will not be made until the timing of Vance’s formal resignation becomes clear.
Cooke’s ties to Trump, combined with her legal experience and reputation as a political “fighter,” position her as a strong candidate for the Senate seat. As the decision approaches, her ability to resonate with Ohio voters could play a decisive role in securing the appointment.
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